03/11/2026
Why Live at Village Manor? Bill Kendall shares his life well lived and the opportunity to enjoy retirement while planning for future needs
Bill Kendall, a resident at Village Manor, has spent most of his life in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Born in Tompkinsville, Bill moved to Bowling Green in 1970 to attend Western Kentucky University (WKU), a decision that would shape both his career and his lifelong connection to Hilltopper athletics.
While attending WKU, Bill worked as an athletic trainer within the university’s athletic department during one of the most remarkable eras in school history. The 1973 WKU Football Team was exceptional, ranking among the nation’s top teams in scoring, scoring defense, total offense, and pass defense. That season, the Hilltoppers won the Ohio Valley Conference and advanced to the National Championship, finishing as NCAA Division II National Runners-Up.
Fifty years later, in 2023, the legendary ’73 team was inducted into the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame. Bill was honored to be included in the induction, recognized for his role as an athletic trainer who supported the team throughout its historic season. Being part of that moment was especially meaningful, as it celebrated both the team’s success and the behind-the-scenes dedication that helped make it possible.
After years of hard work as an athletic trainer and a lifetime of cheering for the Hilltoppers, Bill has lived a full and rewarding life. He and his wife, Shirley, have been married for 48 years. Just over five years ago, they made the move to Village Manor’s Independent Living community.
“The big deal here is that it’s a one-stop shop,” Bill explains. “As your needs change, you can progress through the different parts.” Knowing they had found a forever home, one that could support them no matter how their needs change, provided Bill and Shirley with peace of mind. Village Manor offers a full continuum of care, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing, all within one welcoming community.
Since moving to Village Manor, Bill has become deeply involved in campus life. He serves as president of the Resident Council Committee and leads the music for weekly chapel services. What Bill values most about life at Village Manor is the sense of connection. “The fact that you are around people who are at a similar stage of life, it’s easy to relate to your neighbors,” he shares.
Much like his time at WKU, where he was surrounded by a winning team, Bill has found that same camaraderie at Village Manor. Bill and Shirley enjoy spending time with friends throughout the community, and if you’re lucky, Bill just might show you his impressive WKU Hall of Fame ring. WKU Hilltopper Basketball
